Traveltalkonline.com Forums


SXM Cruise Schedule TTOL Sponsors SXM Travel Calendar
Forum Statistics
Forums39
Topics38,428
Posts310,024
Members26,538
Most Online2,218
Jan 21st, 2020
Top Posters(30 Days)
RonDon 114
pat 43
jazzgal 41
Todd 40
Member Spotlight
BVIslander
BVIslander
Road Town
Posts: 39
Joined: October 2004
Show All Member Profiles 
Today's Birthdays
ecco, OceanDrop, vincent
Who's Online Now
4 registered members (MNsnowbird, cacapasa, 2 invisible), 820 guests, and 62 spiders.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3
Dutch government firm on conditions #147100
10/23/2017 06:42 PM
10/23/2017 06:42 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Daily Herald story Marlin and the SXM government need to agree to their conditions. Period.


Carol Hill
SXM Sponsors
Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: Carol_Hill] #147101
10/23/2017 08:16 PM
10/23/2017 08:16 PM
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 789
Toronto Canada
moxie Offline
Traveler
moxie  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 789
Toronto Canada
This is byond incredible!

Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: moxie] #147102
10/23/2017 08:50 PM
10/23/2017 08:50 PM
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 671
Albany, New York
W
WWII Offline
Traveler
WWII  Offline
Traveler
W
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 671
Albany, New York
How so?

Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: WWII] #147103
10/23/2017 08:57 PM
10/23/2017 08:57 PM
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 789
Toronto Canada
moxie Offline
Traveler
moxie  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 789
Toronto Canada
Marlin will not agree to their terms which seem to me to be reasonable so the island will not receive the much needed money to recover.

Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: Carol_Hill] #147104
10/23/2017 08:58 PM
10/23/2017 08:58 PM
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 98
PEI, Canada
sunseeker Offline
Traveler
sunseeker  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 98
PEI, Canada
Due diligence is a must when in the situation now facing SXM.
We have all seen the stories of the construction vultures arriving in numerous locations in the world following disasters. With the resulting millions wasted together with inferior reconstruction.

Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: moxie] #147105
10/23/2017 09:00 PM
10/23/2017 09:00 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Agreed. St. Maarten needs to agree to the Dutch conditions. Period.


Carol Hill
Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: Carol_Hill] #147106
10/23/2017 09:10 PM
10/23/2017 09:10 PM
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 789
Toronto Canada
moxie Offline
Traveler
moxie  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 789
Toronto Canada
Thank-you Carol. I was starting to think rhat I had missed something here.

Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: Carol_Hill] #147107
10/23/2017 11:03 PM
10/23/2017 11:03 PM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
Traveler
pat  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
Having learned too many times over too many years how things often seem to happen on Sint Maarten, I don’t blame them for insisting on these things. There has to be some integrity and accountability, both of which have often been missing in the Island government’s dealings. Don’t know how the border thing would work out but for sure, there has to be accountability over that kind of money, and the people who so desperately need it shouldn’t be held hostage in this mess. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: pat] #147108
10/24/2017 07:11 AM
10/24/2017 07:11 AM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,258
Kennys Offline
Traveler
Kennys  Offline
Traveler
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,258
The Prime Minister sucks.

Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: Kennys] #147109
10/24/2017 08:13 AM
10/24/2017 08:13 AM
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 363
The Villages, FL
deputydog1157 Offline
Traveler
deputydog1157  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 363
The Villages, FL
Don't sugar coat it, tell us how you really feel. LOL



[Linked Image]
Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: Carol_Hill] #147110
10/24/2017 08:23 AM
10/24/2017 08:23 AM
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,929
Connecticut
The_Lurker Offline
Traveler
The_Lurker  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,929
Connecticut
I can't get the article.

Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: The_Lurker] #147111
10/24/2017 09:06 AM
10/24/2017 09:06 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
The Daily Herald has been having a lot of problems recently. Try back later.


Carol Hill
Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: The_Lurker] #147112
10/24/2017 09:21 AM
10/24/2017 09:21 AM
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 363
The Villages, FL
deputydog1157 Offline
Traveler
deputydog1157  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 363
The Villages, FL
I was able to get the article after a few attempts. Like Carol said the DH servers have been acting up. Having said that I re-read the article and it seems to me, reading in between the lines, that the Dutch government doesn't have much faith in the St. Maarten government to be good stewards of the funding. I can understand their stand because of what I've read of the current PM.



[Linked Image]
Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: deputydog1157] #147113
10/24/2017 09:46 AM
10/24/2017 09:46 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Doesn't matter which recent PM you are talking about, the SXM government in general has not been good stewards of the people's money.


Carol Hill
Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: Carol_Hill] #147114
10/24/2017 10:06 AM
10/24/2017 10:06 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,666
MIA
I
irina Offline
Traveler
irina  Offline
Traveler
I
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,666
MIA
Ha! Everyone knows about those "wrong" pockets!

Hello GeBe!?!

Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: Carol_Hill] #147115
10/24/2017 10:13 AM
10/24/2017 10:13 AM
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 363
The Villages, FL
deputydog1157 Offline
Traveler
deputydog1157  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 363
The Villages, FL
Zackly, hence the preconditions, which IMO are necessary. I believe it is very foolish position for the PM to take when the people of St. Maarten NEED the assistance and rebuilding the economy through reconstructione is the only way to do it. Again, I think that if one has nothing to hide then one would embrace an oversight committee to be a system of checks and balances. As for the border situation, I can only imagine that it wouldn't really be to hurt the residents and/or tourists but rather to make sure that those coming in to help the rebuilding are there legally. Unfortunately there are some that will dwell upon those in need with criminal actions. Definitely think the SXM gov't is hiding something. As the old saying goes, "He doth protest too much."



[Linked Image]
Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: deputydog1157] #147116
10/24/2017 10:37 AM
10/24/2017 10:37 AM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,258
Kennys Offline
Traveler
Kennys  Offline
Traveler
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,258
Well said , thanks.

Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: deputydog1157] #147117
10/24/2017 11:23 AM
10/24/2017 11:23 AM
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
BeachKitten Offline
Traveler
BeachKitten  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
I completely agree. We were talking about this last night. There is no reason not to have oversight. You are the ones asking for something (money) so you should be willing to do WHATEVER the person giving wants. Why can't it be transparent and have an integrity committee? That means you are hiding something.
Let the Sunshine In.


"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest" wink
Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: Carol_Hill] #147118
10/24/2017 02:14 PM
10/24/2017 02:14 PM
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,144
Washington, DC/SXM
Angelface Offline
Traveler
Angelface  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,144
Washington, DC/SXM
So I wonder - if the people who need this relief want it to come in WITH conditions, is there anyway for them to force Marlin's hands? It's unbelievable that at a time like this, he's playing politics with relief funds. ALL relief funds come with strings and conditions.

Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: Angelface] #147119
10/24/2017 03:26 PM
10/24/2017 03:26 PM
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 148
T
thebowl Offline
Traveler
thebowl  Offline
Traveler
T
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 148
Quote
Angelface said:
So I wonder - if the people who need this relief want it to come in WITH conditions, is there anyway for them to force Marlin's hands? It's unbelievable that at a time like this, he's playing politics with relief funds. ALL relief funds come with strings and conditions.


He holds an elected office, so there's bound to be a way for the political process to run its course. How long can he continue to hold his ground in the face of his constituents, who are desperate for the aid? Who knows? Probably not very long would be my guess.

I am not at all surprised that he is making a lot of noise about this. As I mentioned, there is a democratic system of some sort, and the insistence on an "Accountability Commission" constitutes a vote of no confidence in him by the Netherlands. They are saying in a very direct way that they do not trust him to do what he has been elected to do. If he is as pure as the driven snow, this is patronizing and offensive. And if he isn't, he will lose the ability to deal the money out to his friends. For him, it's bad either way.

But the money talks, so there's no question how this ends. Just when.

Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: thebowl] #147120
10/24/2017 03:50 PM
10/24/2017 03:50 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,666
MIA
I
irina Offline
Traveler
irina  Offline
Traveler
I
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,666
MIA
Sint Maarteners need to organize and show up at Administration building and get TDH, everyone involved. Not the status quo. Enough already. This is what I told a friend to do when she got a $1000 usd Gebe bill for August and Sept. With no power or water since Sept 5th.
Wish I was down there organizing!

Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: thebowl] #147121
10/24/2017 04:44 PM
10/24/2017 04:44 PM
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 789
Toronto Canada
moxie Offline
Traveler
moxie  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 789
Toronto Canada
The offer was only until Oct. 31st-haven’t heard of any extensions.

Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: Carol_Hill] #147122
10/25/2017 08:15 AM
10/25/2017 08:15 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Theo says to give the Dutch what they demand. Daily Herald story


Carol Hill
Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: Carol_Hill] #147123
10/25/2017 10:59 AM
10/25/2017 10:59 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,666
MIA
I
irina Offline
Traveler
irina  Offline
Traveler
I
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,666
MIA
Theo smart. Can't squeeze something that is dry. He's been around a long time now!
Grandpa would be proud! LOL

Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: Carol_Hill] #147124
10/25/2017 02:40 PM
10/25/2017 02:40 PM
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 789
Toronto Canada
moxie Offline
Traveler
moxie  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 789
Toronto Canada
According to a post on FB the government has now turned down the conditions set so no money from Holland will be coming. I just can’t believe this.

Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: moxie] #147125
10/25/2017 02:45 PM
10/25/2017 02:45 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
An OFFICIAL government post on Facebook?


Carol Hill
Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: Carol_Hill] #147126
10/25/2017 03:28 PM
10/25/2017 03:28 PM
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,193
Virginia
Snorkeller Offline
Traveler
Snorkeller  Offline
Traveler
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,193
Virginia

Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: Snorkeller] #147127
10/25/2017 03:43 PM
10/25/2017 03:43 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Sorry, which means what? Sounds like they are still negotiating?


Carol Hill
Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: Carol_Hill] #147128
10/25/2017 04:04 PM
10/25/2017 04:04 PM
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,193
Virginia
Snorkeller Offline
Traveler
Snorkeller  Offline
Traveler
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,193
Virginia
It means Marlin is saying NO to the Dutch and he seems to believe that the Dutch have to give in to him. His offer to "negotiate" is simply a politician trying to sound at least marginally competent. The fact that Rutte has indefinitely postponed his visit to SXM suggests to me that the Dutch are going to let Marlin at least delay if not kill an aid package getting done. I hope Marlin is prepared for a serious riot if he actually angers the Dutch enough to stop the aid from happening.

Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: Carol_Hill] #147129
10/25/2017 04:04 PM
10/25/2017 04:04 PM
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 789
Toronto Canada
moxie Offline
Traveler
moxie  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 789
Toronto Canada
It sure looked official but now I can’t find it so maybe not-hope not.

Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: Snorkeller] #147130
10/25/2017 04:13 PM
10/25/2017 04:13 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
OK. Riot is correct. God help Sint Maarten.


Carol Hill
Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: moxie] #147131
10/25/2017 04:17 PM
10/25/2017 04:17 PM
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 148
T
thebowl Offline
Traveler
thebowl  Offline
Traveler
T
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 148
This is not "negotiating". He is sitting at a table by himself. This is called "posturing". The Netherlands holds all of the cards, every single one. Again, the PM can express real or feigned outrage, but at the end of the day, he will do what the Netherlands requires, or there will be no money.

Autonomy and independence are two way streets. Without getting too political, a number of the affected islands have the same issue, including Anguilla. You want to be "independent"? No problem. That means you are on your own, with aid a purely private matter. If I exercise no control over you, then I owe you nothing.

Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: thebowl] #147132
10/25/2017 04:55 PM
10/25/2017 04:55 PM
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 287
Edam, Saskatchewan - Canada
P
PrairieGirl Offline
Traveler
PrairieGirl  Offline
Traveler
P
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 287
Edam, Saskatchewan - Canada
Correct on all counts.


LeAnn

url=https://www.tickerfactory.com][Linked Image][/url]
Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: thebowl] #147133
10/25/2017 05:02 PM
10/25/2017 05:02 PM
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 236
M
MrWhiskerssammy Offline
Traveler
MrWhiskerssammy  Offline
Traveler
M
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 236
Couldn't have said it any better myself. Most of the St. Maarten politicians are in it only for themselves. Not all of them, but for sure most of them. It is about time for their constituents to demand they do what they were elected to do--and that is take care of St. Maarten residents. I can't for the life of me imagine why the same bunch of thieves who have lied to them in the past over and over keep being elected.

Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: PrairieGirl] #147134
10/25/2017 05:02 PM
10/25/2017 05:02 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,666
MIA
I
irina Offline
Traveler
irina  Offline
Traveler
I
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,666
MIA
But Theo is already riling up the people now.
Marlin needs to get over himself.

Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: Carol_Hill] #147135
10/26/2017 09:53 AM
10/26/2017 09:53 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Not that anything will change in Marlin's position, but there is supposed to be a meeting of Parliament at 4 PM today to discuss this matter.


Carol Hill
Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: Carol_Hill] #147136
10/26/2017 10:07 AM
10/26/2017 10:07 AM
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 148
T
thebowl Offline
Traveler
thebowl  Offline
Traveler
T
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 148
I will not pretend to be at all familiar with the form of government in Sint Maarten. That said, if there is a Parliament, and if he is a Prime Minister, it sure sounds like some form of Parliamentary government. If that is the case, the Parliament usually has the power to remove a Prime Minister by a vote of "no confidence". Does anyone here know if that is actually the case?

Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: thebowl] #147137
10/26/2017 10:20 AM
10/26/2017 10:20 AM
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,193
Virginia
Snorkeller Offline
Traveler
Snorkeller  Offline
Traveler
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,193
Virginia
Yes - a basic parliamentary system.

On a vote of no confidence the Prime Minister "shall resign."

Or, if you could put together enough votes - probably require a supermajority - the Prime Minister probably could be dismissed.

I suppose it possible that this is a big enough deal that Marlin's government could fall - I will believe it when I see it.

Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: Snorkeller] #147138
10/26/2017 10:27 AM
10/26/2017 10:27 AM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
GaKaye Offline
Traveler
GaKaye  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
Doesn't the government there fall fairly frequently? I seem to recall reading about that on multiple occasions.

Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: Carol_Hill] #147139
10/26/2017 11:22 AM
10/26/2017 11:22 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
For those interested, the parliament meeting is supposed to be carried live on www.pearlfmradio.sx and www.sxmparliament.org There is some kind of a session going on now, but the session about the Dutch aid is supposed to be 4 PM today.

And yes, the SXM government has fallen many times, but I would doubt it in this situation.

Page 1 of 3 1 2 3

Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.6.1